MOSCOW, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The first Russian Space Forum opened Thursday at the National Center RUSSIA, focusing on the strategic development of the space industry.
The forum showcases the achievements of space industries in Russia and other countries in recent years, exploring how these achievements can benefit society, and looks into the future prospects of the space industry and space exploration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to the forum, stating that the development of the rocket and space sector, and the strengthening of its scientific, human and technological potential are among Russia's absolute priorities.
"I would like to underscore that to move forward and sustain our leading position in space exploration, it is imperative to consolidate the efforts of the government, business, and research communities in this strategic area, and to collectively address the large-scale, urgently needed challenges to improve the industry's production base and ground infrastructure," Putin said.
"It is of utmost importance to expand satellite constellations and to widely integrate new materials, digital and nuclear technologies," he said.
Putin stressed that Russia's innovative development, the improvement of the standard and quality of life of people, ensuring the country's defense capability, security and national sovereignty directly depend on the effective implementation of space programs.
The first Russian Space Forum is the central event of the nationwide Space Week, which is being held across Russia from April 6 to 12 to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the historic flight of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to travel into outer space. ■
